Checked my power steering fluid today & it's brown & smells burnt. I'm going to flush it but I need to know what kind of fluid to use. Does it take ATF like a car power steering pump ? it looks like the same pump . Thanks for any help !!

Bo don't know

I have always used used automotive power
steering fluid

I use the Valvoline Synthetic PS fluid. I saw the ATF rec in the Merc manual....why is that?

I know that most people probably use ATF in there boat, I do... but I heard in the past that using ATF in some automotive pumps can cause premature failure its something to do with drying out the seals. That is why I always use power steering fluid and not ATF in the cars. They apparently make the stuff for a reason. But when it comes to the boat I really don't know what to use. I have a imco single ram set up and it recommends ATF so that's what I use. but Is the marine pump designed to run on ATF?????

I always use gm power steering fluid.
Dave